Baptism
Through the sacrament Sacrament of Baptism, we are initiated into Christ’s holy church, incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation, and given new birth through water and the Spirit. All this is God’s gift, offered to us without price.
We Believe
Baptism is a two-fold symbol, including both the giving of God’s grace and our faithful response. When infants and children are baptized, we see clearly that God loves us before we are able to respond. The parents and church vow to show that love and teach the child what it means to be loved. When youth and adults are baptized, we see clearly that when we receive God’s grace, our faithful response matters. We admit that we are sinners, we need the washing of baptism, and we need the covenant promise of God to transform us for the rest of our lives.
Once baptized, always baptized! All UMCs recognize the baptisms of other Christian churches as valid acts of God’s grace. Therefore, if you were baptized before in another Christian church, you will not be “re-baptized” at Hunt’s.
Read more about baptism in the United Methodist Church or contact your pastor to ask questions.
Seeking Baptism
At Hunt’s Memorial United Methodist Church, the sacrament of baptism is offered to children, youth, and adults.
For parents seeking to have their infants/children baptized, there are three steps:
Participate in Worship
Baptism is the beginning of a lifelong commitment to the Christian faith. In baptism, the congregation makes a commitment to partner with parents in nurturing children. This is why we ask parents to participate in worship for at least 4 weeks. This allows you to get a sense of our congregation, so you can decide if Hunt’s is the right fit for your family’s faith journey.
Attend a Baptism Class
Parents: you are the biggest factor in your child’s faith journey. During the Baptism Class with our pastor and other families, you’ll learn about the sacrament of baptism and your role as your child’s spiritual leader. Once you have attended once, you do not need to repeat this class prior to other children’s baptisms. Check the calendar for the next scheduled class or contact Rev. Carissa to request a meeting.
Fill Out the Baptism Form
Ready to go? It’s time for logistics! Fill out the online baptism form to give details about your child and family to the church office. This form includes space to request particular dates. Once the form is submitted, Beth Woody will contact you to confirm the date and time of your child’s baptism. If you have any questions about this part of the process, email Beth directly.
Seeking baptism for yourself, as a youth or adult? Contact Rev. Carissa to meet one-on-one and arrange your next steps.
